Gyang Dalyop Datong

Gyang Dalyop Dantong (20 February 1959 – 8 July 2012) was a Nigerian senator who represented the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in Plateau State. He became a member of the Nigerian Senate in 2007. He previously served as a Honourable Member in the House of Representatives representing Barkin-Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency from 2003 to 2007.[1] Dantong died on 8 July 2012 when attending a mass funeral of people who had been killed by Fulani herdsmen in Matse area of Riyom local government in Plateau State. The people at the funeral were attacked by gunmen thought to also be Fulani.[2]

Gyang Dalyop Dantong
Honourable Member House of Representatives, Nigeria
In office
2003–2007
ConstituencyBarkin-Ladi/Riyom Federal Constituency
Senator of Nigeria
In office
2007–2012
ConstituencyPlateau North
Personal details
Born20 February 1959
Bachi Plateau State
Died8 July 2012(2012-07-08) (aged 53)
Riyom, Plateau State
NationalityNigerian
Political partyPeople's Democratic Party (PDP)
Spouse(s)Hanatu Gyem Dantong
Children(4 children, Kaweng, Dang, Keziah and Kim (Late))
ResidenceKyen, Bachi District Riyom Local Government Area, Plateau State.
ProfessionMedical practitioner, politician

Background

Dantong was born on 20 February 1959. He has an MBBS from the University of Jos and an MPH from the University of Ghana, Legon. He was a Medical Director of Vom Christian Hospital. He was a member of the House of Representatives of Nigeria in the 5th (2003–2007) Assembly, representing the Barkin Ladi and Riyom constituency. In October 2004, he donated books, pens and chalk to secondary schools in Plateau State and announced scholarship awards for 40 students.[1][3]

Senate career

Gyang Dalyop Dantong was elected to the National Senate for the Plateau North constituency in 2007, decisively defeating the previous Deputy Senate President, Alhaji Ibrahim Mantu.[4] He was appointed to committees on States & Local Government, Health, Gas, Environment, Drugs Narcotics Anti Corruption and Aviation[1] In November 2007, he donated five billboards carrying various road traffic cautious to the Federal Road Safety Commission worth N600,000.00.[5]

In a July 2008 interview, the senator described the 40 years of military rule as a period where there was no progress, and said that in just eight years of democracy the country had made more progress.[6]

In September 2008, Dantong called for appointment of a health minister some months after Adenike Grange and Gabriel Adukwu were sacked because of concerns about their financial dealings when in office.[7] As vice-chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, he spoke out the lack of a national Health framework and indicated that the Senate was working on the Health Bill.[8]

In January 2009, after the impeachment of the former Speaker of the Plateau State Assembly, Emmanuel Go'ar, Dantong said the party accepted the change in the leadership of the House under Istifanus Mwansat.[9]

References
  1. "Sen. (Dr.) Gyang Dalyop Dantong". National Assembly of Nigeria. Archived from the original on June 7, 2008. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  2. "Senator Gyang Dalyop Dantong Killed In Plateau Terrorist Attack!". Online Nigeria News. 2012-07-08. Retrieved 2012-07-08.
  3. "Lawmaker Donates to Secondary School". P.M. News (Nigeria). 25 October 2004. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  4. "Mantu sent packing, Mu'azu suffers defeat". Daily Triumph. 24 April 2007. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  5. "Senator donates bill boards to FRSC". Nigerian Newsday. 19 November 2007. Archived from the original on 19 July 2011. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  6. "40 years of military regime in Nigeria a wasteful period - Senator". Ukpaka Reports. 29 July 2008. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  7. "Senate Warns Yar'Adua On Health Minister". Daily Champion. 12 September 2008. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  8. "Senator bemoans lack of National Health Act". National Daily. Retrieved 2009-09-23.
  9. "Plateau House maintains stand on impeached Speaker". Guardian Newspapers. 27 January 2009. Retrieved 2009-09-23.


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